29 NOVEMBER 1890, Page 24

Just a Love-Story. By L. T. Meade. (Spencer Blackett.)—In spite

of the title of this book, which suggests that it is intended for grown-up people, will make a very good gift-book for a girl. For although it details a love-affair of a kind, nothing of the kind could be sweeter, simpler, or more innocent. This is a story of an author's troubles, and of one girl's love and of another's magnanimity. The contrast between Patty Beaufort and Elizabeth Cunningham is admirably brought out. Mr. Beaufort is almost too good a specimen of the genus irritabile ; but Louis Stanhope is not represented as much of a hero. He is, indeed, nothing better than a straightforward young Englishman,—just the sort of man that a Patty Beaufort would marry, and an Elizabeth Cunningham would not find quite good enough.